Published May 15, 2012 at 2:22 PM | Updated at 6:23 AM EDT on May 16, 2012

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Cruise continues to do what he loves and tells Playboy he's not about to stop.

A decade ago, Tom Cruise drew more headlines for manic behavior in interviews than for his actions on the big screen. Incidents like his couch jumping on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" even earned him a not so flattering portrayal on “South Park.”

In an interview in Playboy’s June issue, Cruise opened up on his controversy-filled life and the success he's found recently with "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" as well as his upcoming roll in "Rock of Ages."

“I learned that even in times that were challenging, you have a choice whether to let problems overwhelm you,” Cruise told Playboy.

That mentality comes partially from his religious beliefs, but Cruise says he isn’t out to push Scientology on the masses.

“I have respect for what other people believe. What I believe in my own life is that it’s a search for how I can do things better,” he said. “Whether it’s being a better man or a better father or finding ways for myself to improve. Individuals have to decide what is true and real for them. I’m fortunate in the life I have.”

In the wide-ranging Q&A, Cruise also talked about his relationship with wife Kate Holmes.

“When she walks into the room, I just feel better,” he said. “I’m a romantic. I like doing things like creating romantic dinners, and she enjoys that. I don’t know what to say—I’m just happy, and I have been since the moment I met her. What we have is very special.”

Rock Stars: Then and Now

Another topic: his wrinkle-free face. Cruise told Playboy that he hasn’t had any “work” done and “never” will. That may have to do with his stance on how he handles his legal situations.

“They know I mean it, that if I have to, I will sue,” he said. “You start with a letter saying, ‘Okay, you know it’s not true. Apologize.’”